The structures at Hiran Minar evoke a mixture of complete serenity, of man-made and nature‘s grand design blending into a perfect harmony. The almost square water –reservoir/ pond is built from the traditional Mughal thin brick-lined ramps/slopes acting as watering paths for the Royal Deer and other animals in the surrounding Royal Hunting forests [there are still a few scattered remnants of these forests left by man’s insatiable greed ] consisting of scrubs, Shisham and Keekar trees. Monsoon rain water is collected into this water reservoir. The Mughals had perfected the art/science of collecting rain water about 500 years ago and specialized in creating gardens that reflected this mastery. Modern man has recently woken up to this cost-effective technique of preserving water after a series of costly/ disastrous ecological & financial blunders in making mega dams all over the world [ In South Asia – Tehri in UP, Narmada in South India, Tarbela, Mangla in Pakistan – trying to control nature’s most primal energy forces – rivers as they flow towards other rivers and finally to the oceans & seas.

Dust covers the winter sun in its orange glow. A few burnt -sienna coloured egrets stand a patient-detached lonely vigil on the sides of the pond. They are looking for a small morsel of fish in the Hiran Minar’s water pond. Pigeons wheel around in circles before roosting in the Hiran Minar’s [100 foot high Deer-Tower] little pigeon holes where "Mansraaj" the Royal antelope lies buried for the last 400 years. The tower cannot be climbed up. The staircase has been locked by iron gates installed by the local Pakistan Tourism Development Center [PTDC] offices.

PTDC has placed gaudy coloured fiber glass pedal boats that are rented by avid local tourists to create funds for the PTDC – this is a shining example of the damage that tourism development can wreak.- also local energy-laden youth are allowed to play cricket in the middle of the Barah-dari, the walls of which are destroyed by the etchings of names of local Romeos- Juliets or Heer-Ranjhas, whilst potato chips packages and aluminium foil & plastic bags lie scattered all around the parks, where more youth play cricket with loud whooping noises .

Wonderful idea Nasir. The results are beautiful, classic, and serene. I love the perspective given with the tunnel and how the pointed archway "frames" the scene beyond (which has its own perspective and depth). Beautiful warm lighting outside with perfect contrasts. Good balance with a soft gradient of shadow on the tunnel walls. Nice subtle brown frame with quiet lettering to not distract from yet compliment the photo itself. Really amazing how a mood is conveyed in such a simple shot, TFS!
-Lara